The document introduces positivism and interpretivism as two approaches in sociological theory. Positivists believe that society controls individuals and should be studied scientifically using large samples, while interpretivists believe individuals control society and should be studied using small samples and in-depth interviews focusing on social action. The document provides examples of how each approach might differ in explaining socialization and criminal behavior.

1. INTRODUCTION TO THEORY AIM: TO UNDERSTAND POSITIVISM & INTERPRETIVISM

2. “ How is our identity shaped by culture?” A suggested explanation for something… A systematic and general attempt to explain something… “ Why do people get married?” “ Why do people commit crimes? “ How does the media affect us?” “ Why do kids play truant from school?” “ Why do some people believe in God?” Theory

3. Sociological theory is a bit like political parties. There are a range of sociologists who have differing opinions about how the world operates. Examples of some of these groups are: Functionalists Marxists Interactionists Feminists Post-Modernists These groups then fall into one of two categories and will either be known as: Positivists Interpretivists

4. YOU Think about who you are, your personality, attitude and behaviour. Consider the factors that have shaped you into who you are today

5. So, who controls who? Does Society control us? (Positivism) Do we control society? (Interpretivism)

7. Do you think that this child has learnt to behave by society informing and socialising him how to behave ( Positivism ) or do you think he has learnt to behave through personal trial and error ( Interpretivism )?

9. Positivist or Interpretivist? To understand crime in Lewes I felt it was really important to question as many people as possible and use statistics to look at crime in the whole area. I feel people commit crime in Sussex due to society factors, often there is an element of boredom or lack of jobs in the area which drives people to crime. My feeling is that often people become criminal because of factors such as neglect, bullying or psychological problems. To understand crime I think it is really important to observe small gangs of criminals and get to know their behaviour on a really in-depth basis.

10. Socialisation Write a paragraph (5-6 lines) explaining how Positivists and Interpretivists would differ in their opinion of how the Socialisation process works